The Iowa egg industry has met nothing but problems lately linking back to the 2010 salmonella outbreak. Now, a former manager at one of the egg farms involved in the outbreak pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges of conspiracy to bribe a federal inspector.
According to the charges, 61-year-old Tony Wasmund, an ex-manager of DeCoster Farms, conspired with at least one person to sell eggs that were not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
During the hearing Wednesday in Souix City, Wasmund admitted to the conspiracy. According to a report, Wasmund allowed $300 to be given to an inspector for the U.S. Department of Agriculture by an employee. The money was given to the inspector to approve the sale of a batch of eggs that had not been approved by the USDA.
The report never stated if the bribe was successful, or who else was involved in the conspiracy. More details about the case will be released at a later date, according to reports.
The document did, however, state that Wasmund was aware of the salmonella outbreak, possibly even before it came to light. Documents show that he was informed of it before the alleged conspiracy occurred.
Wasmund used to work at DeCoster farms. These farms, owned by Jack DeCoster, are believed to have started the salmonella outbreak in 2010 that made over 2,000 people ill.
Wasmund is the first to face charges relating to the conspiracy. He was released pending sentencing. If charged with felony violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, he could face five years in prison.
According to the charges, 61-year-old Tony Wasmund, an ex-manager of DeCoster Farms, conspired with at least one person to sell eggs that were not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
During the hearing Wednesday in Souix City, Wasmund admitted to the conspiracy. According to a report, Wasmund allowed $300 to be given to an inspector for the U.S. Department of Agriculture by an employee. The money was given to the inspector to approve the sale of a batch of eggs that had not been approved by the USDA.
The report never stated if the bribe was successful, or who else was involved in the conspiracy. More details about the case will be released at a later date, according to reports.
The document did, however, state that Wasmund was aware of the salmonella outbreak, possibly even before it came to light. Documents show that he was informed of it before the alleged conspiracy occurred.
Wasmund used to work at DeCoster farms. These farms, owned by Jack DeCoster, are believed to have started the salmonella outbreak in 2010 that made over 2,000 people ill.
Wasmund is the first to face charges relating to the conspiracy. He was released pending sentencing. If charged with felony violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, he could face five years in prison.
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